Mediterranean Diet Chipotle Rice

Elevate your weeknight meals with this vibrant Mediterranean Diet Chipotle Rice, a wholesome fusion of bold flavors and nourishing ingredients. Crafted with hearty brown rice as its base, this versatile dish is infused with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, balanced by the bright freshness of cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, and a splash of zesty lemon juice. Sautéed onions and garlic form a fragrant foundation, while a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil ties the flavors together for a truly Mediterranean vibe. Optional crumbled feta adds a creamy, tangy finish to this dish, perfect as a healthy side or a light vegetarian main. With just 40 minutes from prep to plate, it’s a quick, satisfying, and nutrient-packed recipe designed to please both your taste buds and your lifestyle!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pepper canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming gummy.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the brown rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 25 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Finely chop the chipotle pepper and add it to the skillet along with a bit of adobo sauce from the can for heat adjustment according to preference. Stir well to distribute the smoky chipotle flavor.

Step 6

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 7

Stir in the baby spinach gradually, allowing it to wilt down into the mixture.

Step 8

Once the rice is cooked, add it to the skillet with the vegetables and chipotle mixture. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 9

Season the rice with lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed to taste.

Step 10

For an optional garnish, top the rice with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

Step 11

Serve the Mediterranean Diet Chipotle Rice warm, either as a side dish or a light main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1088.7 grams (1088.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	719

Total Fat 43.60g	56%
Saturated Fat 13.50g	68%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 53mg	18%
Sodium 2066mg	90%
Total Carbohydrate 68.30g	25%
Dietary Fiber 9.00g	32%
Total Sugars 10.20g
Protein 18.30g	37%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 454mg	35%
Iron 4mg	23%
Potassium 683mg	15%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.1%

Protein: 9.9%

Carbs: 37.0%